What is the News? The Henley Passport Index 2022 has been released. What is the Henley Passport Index? Released by: Henley and Partners, a London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm since 2005. Purpose: To rank 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. Source of Data:… Continue reading Henley Passport Index 2022: India’s passport rank improves to 83 from 90
Tag: the hindu
Naval Variant of Brahmos Missile: BrahMos advanced variant test fired
What is the News? Defence Research and Development Organization(DRDO) has successfully test-fired the naval variant of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile from INS Vishapatnam. What is the Naval Variant of Brahmos Missile? The Naval Variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has an extended range of 350 to 400 km. The missile can fly at… Continue reading Naval Variant of Brahmos Missile: BrahMos advanced variant test fired
Extending GST compensation as a reform catalyst
News: The agreement to pay compensation for the loss of revenue was for a period of five years, which will come to an end by June 2022. However, the states are demanding to continue it for another five years. Because, it was hoped that the tax structure would stabilise in the first five years, however,… Continue reading Extending GST compensation as a reform catalyst
Hate speech in the time of free speech
News: Over the last few years’ frequencies of hate speech has arisen in India. What are the provisions for criminalising hate speech? Black’s law dictionary defines hate speech as a speech that carries no meaning other than the expression of hatred for some group, such as a particular race, especially in circumstances that are likely… Continue reading Hate speech in the time of free speech
Jallikattu banned in Vellore, nearby districts ahead of Pongal as COVID-19 cases see spike
What is the news? Jallikattu has been banned in Vellore and nearby districts in Tamil Nadu as there has been a steep rise in the daily cases of COVID-19. What is Jallikattu? Jallikattu is called Eru thazuval or embracing the bull. It is a bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu that has traditionally been part of… Continue reading Jallikattu banned in Vellore, nearby districts ahead of Pongal as COVID-19 cases see spike
China-Sri Lanka ties: ‘No one should interfere in China-Lanka ties’
What is the News? The Chinese Foreign Minister is on a visit to Sri Lanka. The visit marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Rubber-Rice Pact and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka ties. Note: The Rubber-Rice Pact was signed in 1952 in the wake of the… Continue reading China-Sri Lanka ties: ‘No one should interfere in China-Lanka ties’
The sail that Indian diplomacy, statecraft need
News: Striking the right balance between continental and maritime security would be the best for India’s long-term security interests. In this context, India’s decision to hosts the five Central Asia leaders at the Republic Day Parade holds significance for India’s continental security. How India has progressed in terms of Maritime security? More recently, India has… Continue reading The sail that Indian diplomacy, statecraft need
Bilateral Investment Treaties: A BIT to review
News: Recently, the standing committee on external affairs presented its report on India and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs). It is important as it comes a decade after India lost the first investment treaty claim in 2011 (White industries vs India). Note: In November 2011, an arbitral tribunal found the Republic of India guilty of violating… Continue reading Bilateral Investment Treaties: A BIT to review
National Database of birth and death: Amendments that are unnecessary
News: Government recently proposed creating a national database of registration system comprising births and deaths. This is proposed to be used to update every birth and death, and linked with other databases like the national population register, voter list and the Aadhaar database. What is the current mechanism? The current system is covered by the… Continue reading National Database of birth and death: Amendments that are unnecessary
Synapses: NCBS: Zebrafish study reveals how the brain makes its connections
What is the News? Researchers at the National Centre of Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, have studied Zebrafish to understand how Synapses are formed. What are Synapses? Neurons, or nerve cells in the brain, connect by means of junctions known as synapses through which they also transmit signals. Types of Synapses Chemical Synapses: In this, there is… Continue reading Synapses: NCBS: Zebrafish study reveals how the brain makes its connections
